News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

October 20, 2012

LOS ANGELES - The Kings practiced at the Los Angeles Clippers practice facility Saturday for their second of three preseason games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

And - surprise - there was a lot of talk of defense. That's been the constant all preseason.

"Everything's been precise," said forward Jason Thompson. "Practices feel like the game. We look at statistics defensively more than we did ever."

Guard Isaiah Thomas said actually have a training camp and full preseason yielding results.

"I think we've improved tremendously on the defensive end," Thomas said. "And even on the offensive end by sharing the ball, not doing too much 1-on-1 and just trusting each other. Not just on offense but on defense as well."

By coach Keith Smart's count the Kings have played two bad quarters of defense - the first half of Wednesday's game against Golden State.

*The Kings have no injury concerns. Only John Salmons, who is not with the team for personal reasons, did not practice Saturday.